Canada Taps CAE for Fighter Pilot Training

CAE has been identified as a strategic partner to the Government of Canada to work with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to design and co-develop the Future Fighter Lead-in Training (FFLIT) program, which will prepare and train pilots to operate Canada’s advanced fighters.

This partnership will help streamline discussions and enable the acceleration of initial operational capability of the FFLIT program. Additionally, the FFLIT program will support the long-term success of Canada’s CF-35A capability by providing continuous fighter-pilot training with new technology and training methods. FFLIT will equip fighter-pilot candidates with the advanced skills needed to operate the complex and significantly capable CF-35A in an ever-evolving operational environment.

As one of Canada’s largest defence contractors, and a global provider of flight training and simulation, CAE has extensive experience in delivering defence capabilities, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training in Canada, the Operational Training System Provider and the previous generation of fighter lead-in training (FLIT) for the RCAF and NATO allies.

In May 2024, CAE announced that SkyAlyne, its joint venture with KF Aerospace, was awarded a C$11.2 billion, 25-year contract for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. This transformative initiative reimagines training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by consolidating three aircrew training operations under SkyAlyne and Canada’s joint management. Building on this milestone, in October 2024, CAE signed a 25-year sub-contract valued at approximately $1.7 billion from its SkyAlyne joint venture, to provide the RCAF with modern pilot training.